"Just how Mr Petersen suffered his injuries is at the centre of the Serious Crash Unit investigation currently underway," Mr Lynam said.

"What we know is that while reversing at the refuse centre on Sunday morning shortly after 10am, Mr Petersen got into difficulty and as a result lost control of his car. During the course of this loss of control he was partially ejected from the vehicle and suffered life threatening injuries."

Mr Petersen was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance but died later that day.

His death is being treated as a road fatality due to the location of the transfer station at the end of a public road and takes the Waikato road toll to 44 deaths from 40 crashes.

Mr Lynam said Police offered their condolences to Mr Petersen's family and said the incident highlighted the need for drivers to be vigilant when behind the wheel at all times